Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.9°C   ENE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / He’s back

Local MP Alistair Carmichael and chief pilot Jimmy Livitt unveiling Oscar Charlie. Photo Millgaet Media

SHETLAND coastguard search and rescue helicopter Oscar Charlie has returned to the islands’ skies …in name at least.

On Friday afternoon after completing a 240 mile round trip to the Nelson platform south east of Sumburgh to collect an injured crewman that morning, Bristow’s brand new Sikorsky S-92 chopper was renamed at a special ceremony.

Local MP Alistair Carmichael and local coastguard chief pilot Jimmy Livitt unveiled the name at the Sumburgh hangar, while watched by senior representatives of both Bristow and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The original Oscar Charlie, a Sikorsky S-61N, operated from 1985 until 2007, and was involved in some of the most dramatic rescues seen around the British coast.

These included the 1988 Piper Alpha disaster, the rescue of 14 crew from the Braer oil tanker in 1993 and the rescue of all 60 crew from the Russian klondyker Lunohods, which set the current record of rescuing 32 survivors in one lift.

Bristow’s UK director of search and rescue Samantha Willenbacher said they were honoured to be back in Shetland delivering the coastguard service after losing the contract to CHC in 2007.

She said: “We’re very aware of the affectionate way that Oscar Charlie came to be viewed by the community during its long years of service. That is why it made sense for us to carry forward the name to our new S-92 aircraft.”

Alistair Carmichael added: “I am also very pleased to see that the new helicopter will be named Oscar Charlie; it is a name that local people have come to trust and to associate with the rescue service.

“I know that the men and women who serve in the new Oscar Charlie will continue to maintain its predecessor’s reputation for reliability and excellent service.”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.